How to choose the best compact digital camera for your travels

Travel takes us to some incredible places, and sometimes simple phone snaps just can’t do them justice. But it’s also tough to reserve the carry-on space your camera’s body, external flash, and several lenses require. And even if you’ve got the room, it’s not always convenient to carry a DSLR along with you. Last winter, I spent a week in Iceland taking photos with a jacket held over my head because my camera gear was not weatherproof and it happened to rain every day.

Fortunately, the market is overflowing with great travel-friendly camera options for you to choose from. Small point-and-shoot cameras now have the same features bulkier DSLRs have: impressive zoom depth, HD video capabilities, tilting displays, and high ISO ranges. And, of course, they’re all wrapped in a pocket-sized "package," that’s also dust-, water-, shock-, and freeze-proof.

If you still like the flexibility and features a DSLR gives you, like changing lenses depending on your situation and environment, we also found a few options that are much lighter and smaller in size that won’t take up half of your backpack (or your next four paychecks).

Here are the best compact digital cameras that will make capturing moments on your next vacation effortless and worry-free.

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Best for: lightweight design

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Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

Don’t be fooled by the ultra-slim design — this camera is so much more than its stylish exterior. This Canon is packed with great features: 20.1-MP CMOS sensor, built-in Bluetooth and WiFi, video mode (it even has a time-lapse option). And it weighs only 7.3 ounces.

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Best for: action shots

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V

Featuring the world’s fastest autofocus (at least at the time of its release in October 2016) and continuous shooting capabilities, this camera is perfect for sports enthusiasts and adventure-seekers who live for the action and want to capture it.

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Best for: creative control

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Sony Alpha a6000

Take sharp, high-resolution images thanks to this camera’s 24.3-MP sensor as well as full HD video recording. Even if you’re at a more advanced photography level, you’ll be impressed with the features of this camera and, most importantly, with its compact size. Oh, and let’s not forget you can change the lens, too.

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Best for: shooting video

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Nikon Coolpix A900

This Nikon is no larger than a smartphone but packs an astounding number of features: 35x optical zoom and 70x dynamic fine zoom, 20 megapixels, and built-in Bluetooth and WiFi, among many others. Shoot 4K ultra high-definition videos even in poorly lit places.

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Best for: bringing literally anywhere

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Nikon Coolpix W100

Say hello to your new favorite vacation-proof camera. Water-proof up to 33 feet, shock-proof from a 5.9-foot drop, and freeze-proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, this Nikon will serve you well at the beach or on the slopes.

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Best for: creative angles

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Nikon Coolpix B500

This 16-MP point-and-shoot camera features a tilting LCD screen, which takes away the guesswork when you’re shooting at an unnatural angle, and VR (vibration reduction) to combat camera shake when you’re in motion.

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Best for: great results in auto mode

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Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ1000

Combine the functionality of a point-and-shoot camera and the features of an entry-level DSLR, and you get an idea of how great this Panasonic is for the frequent traveler. It’s lightweight and compact in size, but boasts 20 MP and a high-quality 16x zoom lens from Leica.

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Best for: pretending it’s film

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Fujifilm X100T

We love the classic look of this Fujifilm, but we love its modern-day features even more: a 16-MP sensor, an advanced-technology viewfinder, full HD movie recording, and built-in WiFi for easy sharing.

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Best for: low-light photos

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Ricoh GR II

If you’re headed on a trip where you expect to take a lot of photos in low-light situations, this camera is your best bet. Its advanced engine offers high-sensitivity shooting with minimal noise and can take up to 320 snaps before its battery dies.

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Best for: beginners

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Nikon Coolpix L340

This Nikon’s powerful zoom is what sold us — the 28x optical zoom telephoto lens with VR will help you get closer to the action. And with 16 scene modes, taking high-quality images will seem like a breeze in any situation.

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Best for: a value buy

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Panasonic DMC-TS30R LUMIX

Don’t be afraid to take this camera with you even in the most frigid weather. Capture every moment under or above water, shoot time-lapse videos, and then edit your favorite snaps thanks to a set of built-in effects.

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Best for: instant sharing

Courtesy of Sharper Image

Polaroid Instant Digital Camera and Printer

If you’re a bit of an old soul and prefer physical photos, this Polaroid is perfect for you — it combines the best of two worlds. It shoots video, has a 2.5-inch LED screen, and can store your images as digital files, but if you decide to print one, it’ll do it in seconds.